Tag Archives: stevia

Chocolate Mint (AKA Peppermint Patty) Ice Cream

PLUS

NuNaturals GIVEAWAY

I have a treat for you all today! I mentioned several weeks ago in a post that I had a SWEET giveaway coming up for you and boy IS IT! One of my favorite stevia companies, NuNaturals, sent me a pretty sweet (no pun intended) gift box full of stevia products to sample. I love all of them! I have been a huge NuNaturals fan and user for about 4 years now and when I say they are the real deal – they are! They have a few new products in their lineup (which are all stellar in my opinion) and one of my favorites is the COCOA MINT SYRUP. Oh, my! This is heaven! A sweet Chocolatey-minty syrup with the finest Peppermint oil available grown in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. I’ve used it in smoothies, tonics, desserts, hot chocolate drinks and eaten it by the spoonful. YUMMY!

It is HOT here in North Georgia right now and I wanted to use it in something to take off that edge. Ice cream!!! But not just any ice cream. I wanted something light, cooling and decadent. Cocoa Mint syrup to the rescue! The mint is cooling to the body and the syrup overall is light yet decadent. It reminds me of a peppermint patty. This is a very easy, basic vegan ice cream recipe that you can whip up in a blender and process in an inexpensive ice cream maker. It is seriously the best ice cream I’ve ever had and healthy too. It mimics all the creaminess of dairy ice cream, without any of the upset tummy issues afterwards. I hope you enjoy it as much as Scott and I do. It doesn’t last long in this house.

and seriously the best I’ve ever had. It mimics all the creaminess of dairy ice cream, without any of the sore tummy issues afterwards. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. – See more at: http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/raw-vegan-chocolate-ginger-ice-cream/#sthash.YFEL9iDm.dpuf

seriously the best I’ve ever had. It mimics all the creaminess of dairy ice cream, without any of the sore tummy issues afterwards. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. – See more at: http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/raw-vegan-chocolate-ginger-ice-cream/#sthash.YFEL9iDm.dpuf

seriously the best I’ve ever had. It mimics all the creaminess of dairy ice cream, without any of the sore tummy issues afterwards. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. – See more at: http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/raw-vegan-chocolate-ginger-ice-cream/#sthash.YFEL9iDm.dpuf

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender (I use a Vitamix) and blend till smooth (a few seconds). Pour into prepared ice cream maker. Churn for 30 minutes. You can eat it now (like soft serve) or transfer it to a container and freeze for 2 hours for ice cream that is nice and firm (like in the photos).

NOW it’s time for that GIVEAWAY I mentioned earlier.

Ron at NuNaturals (who is such a sweet, fantastic guy) offered to host a wonderful giveaway to 4 winners for the following items:

1 bottle of the Cherry Vanilla Stevia Liquid

50 pkt box of NuStevia White Stevia Powder packets

1 bottle of NEW COCOA SYRUP

a bottle of the NEW SIMPLE SYRUP

PLUS A FREE BONUS PRODUCT!

Rules and Regulations for Giveaway

* Contest is open to WORLDWIDE audience.

* NuNaturals CAN NOT SHIP TO P O BOXES – Only physical addresses.

* To ENTER, “LIKE” NuNaturals Facebook Page AND leave a comment below how you might use some of these items if you won.

* Contest ends Thursday night (August 7th) and I will be announcing the winner on Friday, August 8th.

* Look forward to hearing from you and let the entries begin. Good luck everyone!! ♥

* In the meantime, you can receive DISCOUNTS on all orders placed on at NuNaturals website : www.nunaturals.com . When you get to the checkout page, just enter the DISCOUNT CODE ; BLG1214 and you will receive – 15% DISCOUNT on your ENTIRE ORDER. This discount remains EFFECTIVE UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2014. Online ordering customers may also receive FREE SHIPPING to the CONTINENTAL U. S. on all orders exceeding $35.00 after discounts.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

♥ For more healthy living and organic gardening tips, quick recipes, what I’m eating and inspirational quotes,LOVE me on Facebook and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel. Lots of fun stuff!

♥ Millet: A Forgotten Superfood – I LOVE millet! It is similar to quinoa and is so easy to cook and digest. It is one of the grains of choice for Spring according to Seasonal eating. Here is one of my favorite recipes: Lemon Asparagus Millet Risotto. (It is also real good with peas instead of asparagus.)

♥ Rawkstar Chocolate Cashew Cookies – Fantastic raw chocolate cookies from my friend, Tess Masters. You can cook on a low temperature in the oven if you don’t have a dehydrator. Make them – you, your family and friends will think you are a Rawkstar!

♥ Stevia: Too Good to be True? – Nope! It’s not TOO GOOD – it’s perfect. This is the reason why I have been using stevia in my diet for several years. I grow the plant in my garden and harvest from it. I also use NuNaturals and SweetLeaf Liquid Stevia in many of my dishes. Ditch the processed sugar and incorporate this sweet little herb into your recipes – you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Moderation, of course!

♥ The Truth About the 80-10-10 Diet – Great in depth article by Kimberly Snyder on the pros and cons of the 80-10-10 diet. I have been the full spectrum of eating all raw to currently eating seasonally for my body type (raw and cooked alike- but mostly cooked now days) – I’m a Vata. This is what works for me and I’m learning all the time. Listen to YOUR body and let it tell you what feels best. Not what a book tells you or the popular trend.

Imperial Wisdom Herbal Tonic Recipes coming tomorrow!

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Raw Cacao Hemp seed Nutella

I know the original Nutella recipe is made with hazelnuts, but I wanted to make a nut-free and sugar-free version. Don’t hate me, but I created this hemp seed Nutella variation several months ago. Slow on getting it to you. Sorry! Better late than never, right!

This chocolate hemp seed butter is MAGICAL! You’re thinking – Really!? Yes, REALLY!! Eat it straight out of the jar or spread it on ANYTHING and melt (you and the food in your mouth). I’ve used it on Pumpkin Gingerbread Scones (don’t worry – recipe coming tomorrow!), gluten-free pancakes, muffins, stirred into a.m. oatmeal, and it makes a quick chocolate hemp seed milk (1 heaping TB. of hemp seed butter to 1 cup of water – BLEND! Enjoy!) just to name a few. Have fun using it on whatever you can find. It’s also nice spread on your SWEETIES face, arm, neck, etc.

Like I said, magical!

Hemp seeds are a nutritional powerhouse! I use them daily in my diet and I purchase in bulk – 5 pounds at a time. I use Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts/Seed (great quality and reasonable price).

Hemp seeds are a gift of nature. They are the most nutritious seed in the world. Hemp Seeds are a complete protein. They have the most concentrated balance of proteins, essential fats, vitamins and enzymes combined with a relative absence of sugar, starches and saturated fats.

Excellent source of essential fatty acids including Omega 3, 6 and GLA in the perfect balance.

More digestible protein than meat, whole eggs, cheese, human milk, cows milk or any other high protein food

Rich in Vitamin E

Increases energy levels & metabolic rate

Lowers blood LDL cholesterol levels

Lowers blood pressure

Improves cardiovascular circulation & function

Improves organ function

Improves immunity levels

Reduces symptoms of PMS & menstrual cramps

Reduces inflammation and the symptoms of arthritis

Improves recovery of muscles after exercise

Reduces & treats dry skin and hair conditions

Reduction of many degenerative diseases through preventative measures

Can be eaten by those unable to tolerate nuts, gluten, lactose or sugar; there are no known allergies to hemp foods.

Willa Kammerer and Her “Raw Licorice” Recipe

I have the honor and privilege of sharing with you all today, Willa Kammerer.

I met Willa at the Embrace Retreats in Rincon, Puerto Rico which I participated in back on Aug. 29th thru Sept.1st, 2013 (see my post about it). Willa and I were the plant-based chefs for all the guests. We IMMEDIATELY hit it off, and had such a flow, dance and rhythm in the kitchen that is not often found with others. We learned so much from one another and inspired each other too.

I enjoyed my time with Willa in the kitchen and outside of it – playing at the beach, shopping at the market for food, foot rubs, talks and attempting to get coconuts out a tree by throwing rocks at it (yeah, that didn’t work!)

Willa made some fantastic treats at the retreat and I asked her if she would share her Raw Licorice recipe with you all here on the site. She said YES! and provided some stunning photography of the procedure. Believe me, this is a recipe that you will want to make! Willa and I both hope you enjoy this treat.

~ Photos compliments Willa Kammerer Photography ~

Raw Licorice

2013-10-14 12:29:32

Anise has long been a used as a digestive aid, so this raw licorice makes for a great digestif or light dessert after a heavy meal. It’s also a perfect and packable afternoon or anytime pick-me-up!

Willa is an amazing woman! She is strong, powerful, confident, determined and focused yet gentle, loving, compassionate, vulnerable and open to all. It was FRIENDSHIP at first sight. I look forward to getting to know Willa better and doing more retreats with her in the near future. I adore her! I know you will too. She offers AMAZING food pictures thru her Instagram: @willakammerer. Go on over, drool and lick the screen.

Willa is in the midst of crafting a new website to replace her current site at willakammerer.com. Her new website merges her passion for wellness, lifestyle, and multimedia storytelling, and is expected to launch late Fall. Her new website will include her full multimedia portfolio, recipes, upcoming events, and a collection of all her favorite staples for the kitchen, work, and an active and adventurous lifestyle.

More About Willa:

“I am a storyteller, doer, maker, and curator in many mediums, currently living, working, and making home between Manhattan and Maine.

I create documentary-style videos for businesses and brands and grand plant-based feasts and experimentations in my mini Manhattan kitchen, and am endlessly exploring the space between life/style and living (well).

I endeavor to make and surround myself with beauty as often as possible and in all corners of life, and to take the time to notice the moments of life unfolding around me. I believe that life is too fleeting not to explore voraciously, and is best spent in a body that is healthy, active, and strong, in touch and tune with the natural world, and fueled by real, whole foods. I believe that tastes should be savored—along with life—deliciously and fully; that life is too short not to deeply experience its moments, and to capture, reflect upon, and tell the story of its beauty, too fantastic not to be grateful for the little and the big.

I practice friendship, network, matchmaking, and connecting the dots, and love to live the words collaborate, create, brainstorm, entrepreneur, and perfectionism.

The elements and tools of my crafts vary, but the inspiration and process of my making is all the same, an evolution of messy and shapeless raw ingredients into something that feels to my senses rational, beautiful, complete.“

Raw Dark Forest Cake

This lovely dessert was inspired by having some organic cherries left-over from my Superfood Smoothie class last Saturday (which was WONDERFUL!) and having two dear friends (Shira and Rachel) over for dinner on Sunday. Shira’s birthday was last Friday, so I wanted to make her a special birthday cake. So, here I was with organic cherries, a special birthday cake to make and the desire to make something new that I haven’t tried before. I love being Inspired!!

I was drawn to a book that I have had for years in my culinary book collection – Living on Live Food by Alissa Cohen. A GREAT book!!! I purchased mine USED (I like doing that – reuse/ recycle) for only $12. It’s a 600 page book. I like that she uses the protocol – K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Sweetie!) The “sweetie” part is my input. Keeping it simple with ingredients and directions. Very easy to follow with great results. Nothing fancy but it sure does taste it!

I was pleasantly surprised with the results of this cake, as was everyone else while eating it (with sighs and moans of delight and pleasure!) It was a lovely dinner with wonderful company. So, I wanted to share this decadent, raw dessert with you all! Enjoy!

Raw Dark Forest Cake

2013-08-13 12:39:49

A decadent, raw layered dessert with seasonal organic cherries. This is one healthy dessert that I don't mind eating an extra slice of.

2. Add in carob or cacao powder and cherries and blend until smooth. Remove from the processor and mold into a 9" pie plate. Hint: don't wash food processor - just keep using it for remaining steps.

SECOND LAYER

1. Combine all ingredients, EXCEPT cherries, in a food processor until smooth.

2. Add in cherrries and pulse chop until chunky but not smooth.

3. Spread this mixture on top of the first layer.

THIRD LAYER

1. Pulse chop the cherries in a food processor until chunky.

2. Spread cherries on top of the second layer.

FOURTH LAYER

1. Place half of the water into a blender ( I used a Vitamix) and slowly add the cashews. Add water as needed, until all of the cashews are gone. keep this thick by adding a few cashews at a time and only enough water so cashews will blend.

♥ For more healthy living and organic gardening tips, quick recipes, what I’m eating and inspirational quotes,LOVE me on Facebook and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel. Lots of fun stuff!May the GREENS be with You! and Be Inspired!Kibby

Longevity Energy Tonic

It’s TONIC time! I have been creating a lot of new tonic recipes and wanted to share this one with you. The other recipes I am saving for my TONIC ebook that I am working on. It will be full of indepth information about tonic and longevity herbs, where to purchase them (top quality for BEST price), recipes and much more. I am passionate about tonics and their benefits and it is due time to share all this acquired knowledge and share with you how to make your own.

What do think!? Would you be interested in this book? I would love your input, feedback and comments.

Herbal tonics are used to promote over-all well being, to enhance the body’s energy, and to regulate the bodily and psychic functioning, to protect the body and mind so as to create what the Chinese call “radiant health”.

In the meantime, let’s take a brief look at the ingredient list for this tonic and its benefits for you. (*Click on the name and see where I purchase mine).

♦ Hemp seeds- Hemp seeds offer raw nutrition, rich nutty flavor and a tender crunch. Hemp seeds contain more protein and omegas than a similar serving of Chia or Flax. These seeds make a great alternative to milk – hemp milk. They lend a creamy texture when blended with water.

♦ Dandy Blend – The Easiest Way to Get Dandelion (Good for your liver) in Your Diet. Rich, smooth full-bodied coffee flavor, but no caffeine, acidity or bitterness. May provide increased energy – use with discretion before bedtime.

♦ Raw Cacao Powder – King of cacao – Raw chocolate. Cacao is increasingly being consumed for its nutritive and health enhancing properties as it has been in many cultures for thousands of years. If you feel exceptionally good when eating it, you can thank the “bliss” chemical anandamine along with theobromine and phenylethylamine for boosting your mood. Pure cacao powder also contains a good dose of magnesium, which plays an important role in maintaining a healthy heart.

♦ Gynostemma Extract powder – Gynostemma is a sweet and slightly bitter herb. The list of benefits of this “magic grass” as it’s called are amazing. It has a strong anti-fatigue affect, strengthens the mind, increases vigor, improves digestion, eases pain, strengthens the immune system, fights off pathogens and helps reduce inflammation. An adaptogenic herb, this means It helps to calm the system when overactive and stimulate when under active or depressed.

♦ Maca (Gelatinized)- The maca root has potent adaptogenic properties helping each body differently based on individual needs. Maca is most often regarded as a powerful stamina booster, libido enhancer, hormone regulator and exhaustion buster. Unique alkaloids found in maca, called Macainas, have been shown to nourish and support the endocrine system, which regulates many of the body’s important functions. Maca also provides an abundance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and sterols that can support general health and immune function.

♦ Astragalus Root powder – Astragalus herb is thought to boost overall vitality. In Chinese medicine it has been historically used to promote healing and reduce fatigue.

♦ Triphala – Triphala is recommended and used more than any other Ayurvedic herbal formulation. Popular for its unique ability to gently cleanse and detoxify the system while simultaneously replenishing and nourishing it, this traditional formula supports the proper functions of the digestive, circulatory, respiratory and genitourinary systems. Translated as “three fruits”, it is composed of the dried fruits of amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki. Containing five of the six tastes (all but salty), Triphala readily removes excess vata, pitta and kapha from the body, bringing balance and proper functioning to the system. It is commonly taken as a daily supplement to help maintain balance of the doshas.

♦ Organic Ghee- Ghee is essentially clarified butter, which means it has had the milk solids and water removed. Ghee helps with digestion, prevents inflammation, promotes intelligence and memory and lubricates the body’s connective tissues, promoting flexibility. Modern Western medicine has found that ghee resists free radical damage, and that it contains phenolic antioxidants that are known help strengthen the immune system. Ghee is also lactose-free and contains no salt.

♦ Chaga mushroom( I used as a tea base for this recipe) – Chaga mushroom can be used as a remedy for chronic inflammation, diabetes, hypertension, cancers, stomach illnesses and improving the immune system.

Longevity Energy Tonic

2013-08-01 04:35:46

This creamy tonic is loaded with energy enhancing and longevity herbs. You will feel ready to take on the day in a balanced and energetic way. If you need a "pick-up" drink in the mid-afternoon, this is THE ONE!

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Pickled Ginger

I LOVE Ginger! It is an Aromatic, pungent and spicy rhizome that adds a special flavor and zest to Asian stir fries, Ayurvedic dishes (ex. Kitchari) and many fruit and vegetable dishes.

Ginger is great for reducing inflammation, assisting digestion, boosts the immune system, Effective Relief of Nausea and increases our circulation.

Pickled vegetables are a GREAT way to incorporate live-culture probiotic foods into your diet. Pickled vegetables contain lactobacilli, a beneficial bacteria that improves our digestion and overall health. They are a good source of fiber and essential nutrients such as iron, Vitamin K and C.

The beneficial bacteria that resides in our body (Go team HEALTHY GUT FLORA!) can take a beating when we take antibiotics and pharmaceuticals, consume a poor diet, and are under daily stress. So, to help restore those beneficial little buggers in our body, Live-culture food (Probiotics) to the rescue!

Probiotics support healthy elimination of waste from your body. When elimination is crappy (sorry, had to say it) and poor, that toxic waste sits in our colon/ intestines and reabsorbs into our body. NOT a pretty picture! A healthy gut contributes to our overall well-being and vibrancy. I’m GAME for that!

Enjoy this scrumptious pickled ginger as an accompaniment to any savory dish (cooked or raw). Great to munch on if you have a tummy ache or feel nauseous. It will improve your digestion so that you absorb more nutrients from the food you eat.

This pickled ginger recipe (once made) is ready to eat in a week. The longer is sits, the better it gets. I like to go to the farmers market and purchase the mark-down bags (small broken off pieces) of fresh ginger root. This is PERFECT for making pickled ginger. I like to make two jars (if I can) and have plenty on hand. Plus, it takes some time to peel the outer skin (slice off with a small sharp knife) and thinly slice each one. Just put on some good music, a book on disc, be with your thoughts, share task with a friend or spouse (quicker this way!) and enjoy a conversation with one another or whatever you like to do, and slice away. (Side note: A mandoline didn’t work very well for me because ginger has a tough, fiberous texture – a knife worked BEST for me.)

Only three ingredients! That’s right! I make mine a low-glycemic, no-sugar recipe by using NuNaturals Liquid Stevia and it comes out GREAT everytime. By using raw apple cider vinegar, this is very alkalizing to the body.

It is SO ECONOMICAL to make your own pickled veggies versus purchasing in the store. Just takes some of your time. I love bonding with my food so that it nourishes me and the family.

Pickled Ginger

2013-07-16 10:50:05

Yields 2

Enjoy this scrumptious pickled ginger as an accompaniment to any savory dish (cooked or raw). It will improve your digestion so that you absorb more nutrients from the food you eat.

Tropical Detox GREEN Smoothie

I love starting my mornings off with a HUGE Green smoothie. This one has been a favorite of ours lately. With all the lovely sweet mangoes in season along with pineapples, it’s just a winner! I love pairing the tropical taste of the fruits with the healing and detoxifying properties of zesty cilantro. Cilantro is most often cited as being effective for toxic metal cleansing and rightfully so, this herb is a powerful, natural cleansing agent. The chemical compounds in cilantro bind to toxic metals and loosen them from the tissue. Many people suffering from mercury exposure report a reduction in the often-cited feeling of disorientation after consuming large and regular amounts of cilantro over an extended period.

Cardamon is a lovely aromatic spice. In terms of Ayurveda, cardamom increases Pitta dosha and decreases Vata and Kapha. It is a heart tonic and an expectorant for respiratory diseases. While it is called for in a wide range of conditions, owing to its carminative properties, one of its most common uses is for digestive health, including the relief of indigestion and flatulence.

This smoothie is packed with Alkaline rich greens, powerhouse superfoods, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essentials fatty acids, protein and more! ALL easily digestible and assimilable. Tastes like a tropical paradise. Now THAT’S how to start off your day right!

Tropical Detox GREEN Smoothie

2013-06-07 21:03:04

Serves 2

This smoothie is packed with Alkaline rich greens, powerhouse superfoods, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essentials fatty acids, protein and more! ALL easily digestible and assimilable. Tastes like a tropical paradise. Now THAT'S how to start off your day right!

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender (I use a Vitamix) and blend till smooth and creamy. Pour into large cups and top with toppings of choice ( I used raw cacao nibs, fresh/local bee pollen and mulberry/goji berry mix). So satisfying and filling.

May the GREENS be with You and Be Inspired!

Notes

Feel free to substitute kiwi or apple for the pineapple. Make it your own!

Rich HEALTHY Chocolate Brownies

I was going to wait and share this recipe with you on Friday, but then I thought “Hell,no! I am doing it TODAY!” You lovely souls NEED this decadent, gluten-free, healthy, AMAZING chocolate brownie recipe NOW. Recipe adapted here from the Detoxinista.

I am offering a healthy cooking class this coming Saturday, May 18th and it is focusing on ALMONDS and the many ways to use them in a plant-based diet. From making your own almond milk, raw almond butter, Chocolate Basil Smoothie, Butternut Squash bisque, Thai Almond Dipping Sauce, coconut macaroons and a special add-on recipe for all attendees of class. This class focuses on using every aspect of the almond – the nut and the left-over almond pulp – in the recipes. It’s going to be great! The class is already almost full.

This fantastic brownie recipe caters to the very aspect of using “left-over” almond pulp. The brownie came out light, moist and fluffy in texture but deep and intense with the chocolate flavor. As you know, I love adapting recipes to make them BETTER and HEALTHIER (which the original is), but also to throw in some easy tricks and tips. Oh, are you excited or what right now?!

Tip #1 – When a recipe calls for applesauce – which contributes to a more moist final product and lends a natural sweetness factor – use an organic apple (skin is full of fiber and pectin), cut into slices (don’t use core), put into a high powered blender (I use a Vitamix) and puree for a few seconds – Voila – homemade applesauce that is raw, full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and MORE that a store-bought, processed, “hidden ingredients” apple sauce will NOT have. If you don’t have an organic apple, peel the skin off and you are still doing WAY BETTER than store-bought jars.

Tip #2 – Coconut sugar is a much healthier alternative to Sucanat sugar, but I still like to use LESS in my recipes. So, I like to do half sugar and half stevia if a recipe does require some sort of granular sugar for the recipe to come out right, but I still want the sweetness without all the SUGAR. I highly recommend using NuNaturals stevia – it does not have the bitter after-taste that most processed stevia products have. I use that Shit in everything! – From sweet to savory recipes. Stevia is great for people trying to lose weight, have blood sugar issues or candida. I LOVE IT!

Tip #3 – After making your almond nut milk, simply use the remaining pulp to create a healthy treat. Please don’t throw it in the trash! Left over almond pulp is a great substitute for flour in many recipes. Two versions for drying:

Dehydrator – spread your almond pulp out on a tray lined with a Teflex sheet (if not, the pulp will fall through the cracks) and dehydrate at 115 degrees for 4 to 8 hours (longer depending on type of dehydrator used and moisture in environment). I use an Excalibur 9 tray with timer and LOVE it! Once the almond pulp is completely dry, Transfer dry pulp to a high-speed blender or food processor and buzz till a flour like consistency is achieved. It doesn’t have to be perfect! That’s it! I store the almond flour in a glass mason jar in my fridge, and use it as I bake. One cup of almonds used in almond milk will yield about 1/2 cup of almond flour.

Oven – spread your almond pulp out on a parchment lined cookie sheet and place in oven set at lowest temperature setting – 200 degrees and “dry out” for 2 – 3 hours. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t toast too much. Transfer dry pulp to a blender or food processor and buzz till a flour like consistency is achieved. It doesn’t have to be perfect!

Decadent Gluten-free Chocolate Brownies

2013-05-12 10:42:56

This fantastic brownie recipe caters to the very aspect of using "left-over" almond pulp. The brownie came out light, moist and fluffy in texture but deep and intense with the chocolate flavor.
Serves an 8″x8″ pan.

Preheat your oven to 350F, and line an 8″x8″ glass dish with parchment paper.

Make your applesauce.

Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and stir well to combine into a thick batter.

Pour the batter into the parchment-lined dish, and bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are pulling away from the sides of the pan and the center is firm.

Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.

The brownies are so rich and fudgy, you may find that they are difficult to slice without some of the fudgy middles sticking to the knife - I did.

I recommend chilling the brownies in the fridge or freezer to make the cutting process go more smoothly, then allow to thaw to room temperature, if you like.

Notes

Tip #1 - When a recipe calls for applesauce - which helps out with a more moist final product and lends a natural sweetness factor - use an organic apple (skin is full of fiber and pectin), cut into slices (don't use core), put into a high powered blender (I use a Vitamix) and puree for a few seconds - Voila - homemade applesauce that is raw, full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and MORE that a store-bought, processed, "hidden ingredients" apple sauce will NOT have. If you don't have an organic apple, peel the skin off and you are still doing WAY BETTER than store-bought jars.

Tip #2 - After making your almond nut milk, simply use the remaining pulp to create a healthy treat. Please don’t throw it in the trash! Left over almond pulp is a great substitute for flour in many recipes. To prepare the almond pulp, you must dry it completely after making your almond milk. You can do this in an low-temperature oven, or dehydrator, then transfer the dried almond pulp to a blender or food processor, and process it into a light and fluffy “flour” texture.

Healthy Banana & Blueberry Banana Muffins

My wonderful friend, Sara Campbell, emailed me last week asking if I could make this Just Bananas Muffins recipe for her and see if it was really “worth making”. She has 4 children and little time, so I was more than pleased to test this recipe out for her and then to share with you all. I liked the original recipe; however, I personally felt that it could use some tweaking and still keep it incredibly low in sugar and salt. I must say, I was very pleased with the results. I gave some muffins out to several friends and they just loved them (including Scott).

I have made several batches of this recipe now playing around with ingredients and will share the variations with you below. I made the banana variation and then the blueberry/banana variation. The blueberries take it to a whole new level of YUMMINESS! Also, I applied a technique/ tip and wanted to share to make your life easier. We can all use a little bit here and there.

When a recipe calls for apple sauce, this is a healthy alternative to using oil in a recipe. When using apple juice, this is another alternative to a sweetened liquid in the recipe. DON’T go purchase apple sauce or apple juice, just MAKE your own. It is incredibly easy, quick, cheap, no additives or preservatives and healthier for you to make your own. All you need is an organic apple (or several depending on the recipe amount) and a blender or food processor. I put 1 organic apple in my Vitamix with 1/2 cup of water and turned on high (yes, I left the peel ON – the peel has all the good fiber and pectin) and blended till it looked like apple sauce – took seconds. Add a touch more water if needed depending on size of apple. The original recipe called for 1/2 cup of unsweetened apple sauce and 1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice. This made it all in one fell swoop. EASY PEASY!

Thanks again, SARA, for requesting to be your recipe tester! We never know how a recipe turns out till we try it and I was happy to be the experimenter on this end. I love trying out and adapting new recipes. If I can learn something to make a recipe easier and tastier for you, then mission accomplished. Scott and friends just LOVE being the taste testers too!

♥ For more healthy living and organic gardening tips, quick recipes, what I’m eating and inspirational quotes,LOVE me on Facebook and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel. Lots of fun stuff!

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Disclaimer

This blog is not intended as medical advice. I base my recommendations on my own research and personal experience. You should always consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet and exercise routine. You are ultimately responsible for your own health!

Hi! I'm Kibby! Come join me on my blended life adventure. It's a lifestyle that blends all the things that I love together. Healthy, gluten-free, whole foods KETOGENIC eating, organic gardening, green living and everything else in between. ** My goal is to inspire you to take your health and wellness into your own hands. I aim to ignite the spark of light in you to see the connection between the body (food & exercise), mind (change your old thoughts/ perceptions/ attitudes to NEW, positive ones with affirmations and BELIEVING in them till you LIVE them), and Spirit (Loving & accepting yourself unconditionally that it opens yourself to a source that responds in kind. Be open, receptive and deserving of your highest good). The power to heal is WITHIN you! Others can not do it for you - only you can. You have the Power! Harness it and Shine Bright with Health & Wellness!

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